World Cup 2026 World Cup 2026 - USA/Mexico/Canada

[2Slots]

I'd say France barely beat Paraguay. That penalty handed them the win.

I enjoyed Paraguay's non stop shithousery and the ref's complete lack of care about it!

Reminded me of matches from 30 years ago where the only thing an underdog could do was play as naughty as possible, try to get away with it and nick a win or drag it out to penalties.

It was more enjoyable than watching one team just park the bus and block everything without the underhand tactics and trying to wind up the opposition.

They did deal with a lot of France's attacks well too.

Quite funny when the commentator in frustration started listing of all the extra ref's they have now.

I think it was near the end when the French player went down holding his face and the replay showed he just got slightly caught but nowhere near his face.

Although it is a little odd that a few French players got booked and none from Paraguay.

 

[mcgameboy]

A hard one for the English boys at the Azteca

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Yes it will certainly be a stiff test.

I'll get my coat....

 

[sufferinsilence]

I enjoyed Paraguay's non stop shithousery and the ref's complete lack of care about it!

Reminded me of matches from 30 years ago where the only thing an underdog could do was play as naughty as possible, try to get away with it and nick a win or drag it out to penalties.

It was more enjoyable than watching one team just park the bus and block everything without the underhand tactics and trying to wind up the opposition.

They did deal with a lot of France's attacks well too.

Quite funny when the commentator in frustration started listing of all the extra ref's they have now.

I think it was near the end when the French player went down holding his face and the replay showed he just got slightly caught but nowhere near his face.

Although it is a little odd that a few French players got booked and none from Paraguay.

The ref was on under 0.5 cards for Paraguay! Honestly impossible they didn't get a card until after the game was over. Such a dirty team, it's one thing to hold up play and doing everything in the book to hold the fort but it's another kicking a player after when he's running away or elbowing him... and getting away with it while they actually showed the replays of it. It's not like they were subtle about it.

 

[Webzcas]

Whoever actually wins it, Cape Verde are the team of the tournament.

Cape Verde have proven that extending the World Cup to 48 teams was a great move!

 

[2Slots]

Cape Verde have proven that extending the World Cup to 48 teams was a great move!

Africa absolutely deserve the extra places. 9 out of 10 countries got through to the last 32, only Tunisia didn't.

Even though only 2 are through to last 16, only Algeria lost by 2 goals to Switzerland. All the rest were only 1 goal defeats and the ones I saw were very close and also great games.

 

[Guntis]

A yellow-paper says Mexican fans were setting off fireworks and blasting their music outside England's hotel at night. Some in comments note that England did the same to Italy before Euro 2020.

 

[geordiecolin]

Anyone else having a few drinks because the England game is on while wondering how to get to watching the game until 3AM?
I hope no thunder storms don't ruin my very slow slurping!

Edit. My money is on Norway beating Brazil in normal time

 

[Guntis]

 

[Guntis]

Norway's Viking demolished Brazil.

 

[2Slots]

Edit. My money is on Norway beating Brazil in normal time

Great call.

Haaland is just a machine, would have been a top striker in any era. Brazil should have taken their pen and the other chance but that's how it goes.

Brazil have looked average this wc. Probably would have been better for them to go through for everyone else on that side of the draw.

 

[sufferinsilence]

It's like Blatter never left.

 

[Guntis]

So if Trump is already doing post-match VAR reviews, we might start believing in the US lifting the FIFA Cup..

 

[Guntis]

Interesting fact - Mexico has only lost twice in competitive matches at the Azteca since it opened in 1966.

 

[teckiwi]

^^It was a hell of a game

 

[Guntis]

The banditos lost 3–2 in the end, despite their fans pulling off all sorts of bollox.

Not good:

 

[Webzcas]

Just so you know - It actually may well be coming home!

️️️

#England #WorldCup #NoSleepHad

 

[ESCJAMIE]

That was well worth staying up for cracking game one of the best ive seen in a long time!!

 

[dunover]

They actually played like lions rather than spoilt kittens for once!

Gordon and Bellingham superb, wouldn't like to choose between them for MotM, Kane and Anderson were just behind, especially for the goal where Anderson tackled the ball back in Mexico's half and Kane ducked out for Bellingham to score.

Saka useless aside from one decent cross, gave the pointless free kick away that led to Mexico's first. Quansah's daft tackle led to 10-men and more tension than necessary. But roll on Stones and Byrne to give Guehi a chance in defence and all got the job done.

Remember Mexico weren't just a bunch of donkey-shaggers as in WCs of old, but were putting some incredible balls into the England box time after time, could have on another day been 4-2 up if it wasn't for Pickford who was outstanding too.

Now Norway in QF, I must admit if there's one team I would rather be knocked out by if it unfortunately came to it, it would be them. Haaland is a monster, absolutely twatted that plonker Gabriel for his first goal and then Gaybar giving it large when he took his last-kick inconsequential penalty for Brazil's last act before going to the airport....

 

[sufferinsilence]

Just so you know - It actually may well be coming home!

️️️

#England #WorldCup #NoSleepHad

Retour à la maison I think.

 

[Nate]

Brazil also lost to the Vikings. Did anyone have Norway to beat them?

Nate

 

[2Slots]

Brazil also lost to the Vikings. Did anyone have Norway to beat them?

Nate

@geordiecolin predicted it:

World Cup 2026 Post in thread 'World Cup 2026 - USA/Mexico/Canada'

Sunday at 9:25 PM

Anyone else having a few drinks because the England game is on while wondering how to get to watching the game until 3AM?
I hope no thunder storms don't ruin my very slow slurping!

Edit. My money is on Norway beating Brazil in normal time

• geordiecolin

• 
• 

 

[2Slots]

England Norway could be a goal fest as well. Not at silly hours too which is a bonus!

Both have conceded 2 at least against the better teams they have faced. Brazil should have got 2 at least as well but flopped their chances. Mexico would have probably won if they had a Mexican Haaland/Kane!

Very impressive performance from England considering all the pre-match talk about altitude and home advantage.

It's going to be a great match after these performances, I think both teams will be confident they can get to the final.

 

[Guntis]

France were struggling against Paraguay but beat Norway 4–1.

Still, they seem to be going pretty confidently.

France vs Morocco should be a battle, with the usual in Paris after the match.

---

Just checked France and they crushed the Vikings pretty easily, 3 goals in the first 30 minutes.

 

[Webzcas]

Just checked France and they crushed the Vikings pretty easily, 3 goals in the first 30 minutes.

As much as I admire France and believe they have the best attacking squad in the World Cup bar none. To be fair to Norway, they had already qualified and made ten changes with even Haaland being benched.

Don't read too much into the 4-1 scoreline, as it flatters France somewhat.

 

[geordiecolin]

It's like Blatter never left.

I really hope that USA lose this evening.
Loved Kane talking like Mini Mouse after the game

 

[mcgameboy]

France were struggling against Paraguay but beat Norway 4–1.

Norway made 10 changes for that game though*, so they really only beat Norway's 2nd XI 4-1.

* The only non-change was Berg, who was captain for the France game.
And of the five subs they used, only Nusa and Pedersen have started in their other games.

Basically, the only player in the squad who hasn't had minutes is their third choice goalkeeper.

Norway were basically content to finish second in the group and had no intention of stretching themselves in an effort to win the group.

It looks like it was absolutely the correct decision.

 

[Webzcas]

 

[Webzcas]

 

[geordiecolin]

They actually played like lions rather than spoilt kittens for once!

Gordon and Bellingham superb, wouldn't like to choose between them for MotM, Kane and Anderson were just behind, especially for the goal where Anderson tackled the ball back in Mexico's half and Kane ducked out for Bellingham to score.

Saka useless aside from one decent cross, gave the pointless free kick away that led to Mexico's first. Quansah's daft tackle led to 10-men and more tension than necessary. But roll on Stones and Byrne to give Guehi a chance in defence and all got the job done.

Remember Mexico weren't just a bunch of donkey-shaggers as in WCs of old, but were putting some incredible balls into the England box time after time, could have on another day been 4-2 up if it wasn't for Pickford who was outstanding too.

Now Norway in QF, I must admit if there's one team I would rather be knocked out by if it unfortunately came to it, it would be them. Haaland is a monster, absolutely twatted that plonker Gabriel for his first goal and then Gaybar giving it large when he took his last-kick inconsequential penalty for Brazil's last act before going to the airport....

I think that England only need to snub out Haaland to win and if any team know how to snub him out it is England.

 

[Webzcas]

Disagree, Norway have some class players apart from Haaland. Arsenal Captain Martin Ødegaard for one

 

[geordiecolin]

Disagree, Norway have some class players apart from Haaland. Arsenal Captain Martin Ødegaard for one

Well yeah but we all know where the main threat comes from

 

[2Slots]

Norway seem to be one of those solid teams like so many others but they have a wizard up front. I feel they were a bit lucky to win, Brazil could have just as easily won it as well.

After Cape Verde gave Argentina a massive scare and Colombia only managed to scrape past Ghana this side of the draw doesn't look as straight forward as it seemed at first.

I thought Argentina would easily get to the semi and then probably face Brazil/England/Mexico and be favourite to beat any of them.

Now it seems like whoever wins out of Norway/England could be the favourites to get to the final.

 

[Guntis]

Norway made 10 changes for that game though*, so they really only beat Norway's 2nd XI 4-1.

* The only non-change was Berg, who was captain for the France game.
And of the five subs they used, only Nusa and Pedersen have started in their other games.

Basically, the only player in the squad who hasn't had minutes is their third choice goalkeeper.

Norway were basically content to finish second in the group and had no intention of stretching themselves in an effort to win the group.

It looks like it was absolutely the correct decision.

Not saying Norway are bad. I’m just trying to imagine what the England vs Norway game would look like and how England would do if they face France. To me, France look strong, they've beaten everyone by at least 2 goals, except Paraguay, who they only beat because of a penalty. Their other wins were clean, with no penalties.

 

[geordiecolin]

It seems that Vine has confused England with Wales

 

[mcgameboy]

Not saying Norway are bad. I’m just trying to imagine what the England vs Norway game would look like and how England would do if they face France. To me, France look strong, they've beaten everyone by at least 2 goals, except Paraguay, who they only beat because of a penalty. Their other wins were clean, with no penalties.

I wasn't suggesting that you were mate.
I was just stating a reason why Norway's result against France looks bad in comparison to Paraguay's result.

And as @Webzcas has already said, the result flattered France somwhat.
Larsen had a penalty for Norway in that game when it was 3-1 and made a complete hash of it.

Paraguay only held France to 1-0 because they were playing for penalties while resorting to shithousery at every opportunity from minute one.
And they got a massive helping hand from the ref, who couldn't have been any weaker if he was a shandy that was 95% lemonade and 5% Heineken 0.0%.

France are the team to beat imo, but they are not unbeatable.

As for Norway v England, that's a tough one to call.
England are favourites I would think, but Norway have a puncher's chance, especially with Haaland.
I fully expect both teams to score in this game, even if Nyland and Pickford both have good games.

As for a potential England v France matchup, England are going to have to defend like they did last night
to stop France from scoring. And they still might not stop them.
Mexico don't have an Olise or an Mbappe and it showed, because they really didn't carve out any great chances in the final 27 odd minutes after the hydration break.

You would think over 90 minutes, Olise and/or Mbappe would find a way to create chances.

Besides, could England defend that well against France's attack AND pose an attacking threat of their own?
That seems like a tough ask.

 

[Webzcas]

Paraguay only held France to 1-0 because they were playing for penalties while resorting to shithousery at every opportunity from minute one.

Yep, from what I saw of that match, Paraguay were dirty as.

 

[2Slots]

Yep, from what I saw of that match, Paraguay were dirty as.

They just did what everyone does at corners these days but all over the pitch for the whole match

 

[Guntis]

I wasn't suggesting that you were mate.
I was just stating a reason why Norway's result against France looks bad in comparison to Paraguay's result.

And as @Webzcas has already said, the result flattered France somwhat.
Larsen had a penalty for Norway in that game when it was 3-1 and made a complete hash of it.

Paraguay only held France to 1-0 because they were playing for penalties while resorting to shithousery at every opportunity from minute one.
And they got a massive helping hand from the ref, who couldn't have been any weaker if he was a shandy that was 95% lemonade and 5% Heineken 0.0%.

France are the team to beat imo, but they are not unbeatable.

As for Norway v England, that's a tough one to call.
England are favourites I would think, but Norway have a puncher's chance, especially with Haaland.
I fully expect both teams to score in this game, even if Nyland and Pickford both have good games.

As for a potential England v France matchup, England are going to have to defend like they did last night
to stop France from scoring. And they still might not stop them.
Mexico don't have an Olise or an Mbappe and it showed, because they really didn't carve out any great chances in the final 27 odd minutes after the hydration break.

You would think over 90 minutes, Olise and/or Mbappe would find a way to create chances.

Besides, could England defend that well against France's attack AND pose an attacking threat of their own?
That seems like a tough ask.

Both teams (ENG vs NOR) to score seems like quite a realistic bet to win. There is also a bet for the golden boot, and i lean more towards Haaland or Mbappe

 

[Guntis]

Trump says that he understands sports well, really well, and that he was a good athlete

 

[Guntis]

I'm at the footie stadium today

 

[Guntis]

Spain vs Portugal. Both NEED this win.

 

[Guntis]

Over at the Hippodrome, some football cult is saying that if Portugal beats Spain then the 2026 trophy is theirs.

I doubt it.

 

[Guntis]

Watching Spain vs Portugal at the Hippodrome now, and also checked what's going on at the Empire. In both casinos, literally no proper locals bother about the game, none.

Last time I went to watch England vs Congo and asked at the Empire if I could get a drink, they said there's a queue... Lol. It was a mile long.

 

[Guntis]

A Spanish especial beer, Modelo, with a bit of rocket fuel a Chinese bar girl poured in. She probably thought I asked for a full cup of double espresso lol. Here at the Hippodrome, a few sips of that wakes the dead up. Good stuff.

 

[Guntis]

One more thing. Just went for a spin on roulette. At the Hippodrome, these bastids have an 'H' everywhere that's basically a double zero.

The sheeple spin that crap no problem. But the classic table right now is £10 a chip and the dealer's a guy who thinks he's a woman. So I gave it a go of curiosity.

If it goes well, i'll drop a little comp in that thread where we usually guess stuff.

 

[Guntis]

Ok, here it goes. That roulette character cleared my £500.... but Lucy Lady Charms takes care of me sometimes . I'll drop a little comp then - i just need to come up with something interesting to guess once I get sober.

 

[Guntis]

Heh, Spain vs Portugal was clear. A bunch of Arabs here at the Hippodrome support a team that's rivals with where Ronaldo plays, so they were rooting for Spain to win.

Now I've met a few Americans who came to the Hippodrome to support Trump's team. TBH, these American guys, while extremely nice and polite, seemd like they're from another planet. Nothing wrong of course but they said fucking hell when Belgium scored, lol

 

[Guntis]

I'm still at the stadium and I can see the soccer game vs Belgium somehow didn't go well.

 

[mcgameboy]

 

[Nate]

LOL - Thats funny